Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been exposed for using artificial intelligence (AI) software to release defamatory videos, smearing her main rival in the election for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The latest issue of Japanese magazine Shukan Bunshun has published 67 emails claimed to be evidence, causing the scandal to continue to escalate. Multiple Japanese media outlets have pointed out that several opposition parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), are preparing to demand a full investigation into the matter. This incident could become a turning point in Takaichi's political career, and she may even face a crisis of stepping down.
According to Shukan Bunshun, Takeshi Kinoshita, a secretary to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is the central figure in the "smear scandal." Working with him is entrepreneur Matsui, who claims to be a supporter of Takaichi and is believed to be the producer of the defamatory videos. The report revealed that during the LDP presidential election in October last year, Takaichi's camp used AI software to generate approximately 100 to 200 videos per day. About 70% of these videos targeted her main rival, Shinjiro Koizumi, deliberately portraying him as an "incompetent puppet." Approximately 10% of the videos smeared another rival, Hayashi Yoshimasa, while the remaining 20% were used to praise Takaichi.
When the incident was first exposed earlier this month, Takaichi completely denied the reports. However, on the 18th, Matsui directly admitted via YouTube that he had produced and disseminated these AI defamation videos.
The series of reports by Shukan Bunshun has shocked Japanese society, and mainstream media have also published editorials calling for an explanation. Questions have also emerged from within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). An anonymous senior LDP member said bluntly: "If Takaichi denies the allegations, she must provide solid evidence; otherwise, not only will the opposition parties not believe her, but the public will not believe her either." Japanese media analysis suggests that if Takaichi did indeed use videos to defame political rivals during the election, it could undermine the very foundations of the electoral system. The escalation of the scandal may cause her approval ratings to fall, and in a serious scenario, it could even affect her position as prime minister.
Related News:
Anti-war fury erupts in Japan, demand for Sanae Takaichi step down immediately
Sanae Takaichi sends ritual offering to notorious war-linked Yasukuni Shrine
Comment